Clarissa J. Bennett is a talented freelance writer and editor with a knack for simplifying complex concepts. With a background in journalism and a Masters in English Literature, she excels in creating comprehensive and easy-to-understand guides on essay formatting and writing techniques.
Writing a college research paper using MLA format can seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of the guidelines, it becomes a straightforward task. In this guide, you'll learn how to adhere to MLA formatting rules while writing your research paper.
Demystifying MLA Format: What You Need to Know 📚
MLA stands for Modern Language Association, a format commonly used in humanities and liberal arts. It's essential to grasp the difference between APA vs MLA format as they serve different purposes and are used in various fields. Now, let's delve into the steps of writing a research paper in MLA format.
To make this process easier, we've broken down the steps of writing a research paper in MLA format:
Mastering the Art of MLA Formatting: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Set Up Your Paper
Start by setting your paper's layout to 1-inch margins on all sides. Use a readable font, preferably Times New Roman, and set the font size to 12. Double-space your paper and ensure there's a header in the upper right corner that includes your last name and page number.
Step 2: Title Page
Unlike the APA format, MLA format doesn't require a separate title page. Instead, on the first page, align your title, name, professor's name, course, and date to the left.
Step 3: Body Paragraphs
Each paragraph should start at the left margin. If you're quoting a source, use a blockquote for quotes longer than four lines. Remember to cite your sources in-text using the author-page method.
Step 4: Works Cited
On a new page, list all the sources you've referenced in your paper. Title this page "Works Cited" and list entries alphabetically by the author's last name. Each entry should be double-spaced.
Learn more about 📚 Mastering the Art of MLA Formatting: A Step-by-Step Guide 🖋️ or discover other Superior Formatting guides.
By following these steps and understanding the nuances of MLA format, you can ace your college research paper. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be disheartened if you don't get it right the first time. Keep trying!
Step 1: Let's Get Your Paper in Shape 📝
Start by setting your paper's layout to 1-inch margins on all sides. Use a readable font, preferably Times New Roman, 12 pt. Ensure that your text is double-spaced and you've included a header with your last name and page number in the upper right corner.
Step 2: Crafting the Perfect Title Page (or Not) 📖
Unlike the APA format title page, MLA format doesn't require a separate title page. Instead, on the first page, align your title to the center, followed by your name, your instructor's name, the course, and the date.
Step 3: Nailing Your Body Paragraphs Like a Pro 🎯
Each paragraph should start at the left margin. If you're quoting a source, use a blockquote for quotes longer than four lines. Remember to cite your sources in-text using the author-page format.
Step 4: Mastering Your Works Cited Page 📚
On a new page, list all the sources you've referenced in your paper. Title this page "Works Cited" and list entries alphabetically by the authors' last names. Use a hanging indent for each entry.
Quiz on MLA Formatting Rules
Test your understanding of MLA Formatting Rules for writing a college research paper.
Learn more about 📝 Test Your Knowledge: MLA Formatting Quiz or discover other Superior Formatting quizzes.
As you progress in your writing, remember that consistency is key. You may encounter some challenges when pasting content from different sources, but there are ways to maintain consistent formatting in MS Word.
Extra Help? Check Out These Handy Resources 🛠️
For more in-depth understanding, consider getting a guidebook. The MLA Handbook, available on Amazon, is an excellent resource for students.
Master MLA Formatting: Essential Resources
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Additionally, you can get a visual understanding of MLA formatting through educational videos.
For a practical demonstration on how to properly format your research paper using MLA format, watch the following video tutorial.
With the knowledge gained from this video and the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to successfully write and format your college research paper using MLA format.
By following these steps and understanding the nuances of MLA format, you can ace your college research paper. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep writing and formatting your essays. Happy writing!
Before we conclude, let's address some common questions about MLA formatting to ensure you're fully prepared to ace your college research paper.
With these answers at your fingertips, you're well on your way to mastering MLA formatting. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep writing and formatting your essays. Happy writing!
Recommended Products
Our Recommendation APA/MLA Guidelines - 7th/9th Editions Style Reference for Writing: a QuickStudy Laminated Guide
$7.95
Our Recommendation MLA Handbook (OFFICIAL) MLA Handbook (OFFICIAL)
$22.06
Our Recommendation MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers
$9.98 
Our Recommendation A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Ninth Edition: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing) A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Ninth Edition: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing)
$15.20
Our Recommendation MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers by Modern Language Association of America (15-Jan-2009) Paperback MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers by Modern Language Association of America (15-Jan-2009) Paperback
$19.02
Our Recommendation Harbrace College Handbook : With 1998 MLA Style Manual Updates, 13th Revised Edition (HODGES HARBRACE HANDBOOK) Harbrace College Handbook : With 1998 MLA Style Manual Updates, 13th Revised Edition (HODGES HARBRACE HANDBOOK)
$51.98
Our Recommendation MLA Handbook MLA Handbook
$15.00
Our Recommendation Hodges Harbrace Handbook, 2016 MLA Update Hodges Harbrace Handbook, 2016 MLA Update
$115.95
Our Recommendation MLA, The Easy Way! Updated for the 9th Edition MLA MLA, The Easy Way! Updated for the 9th Edition MLA
$11.19
Our Recommendation The Little Seagull Handbook with Exercises The Little Seagull Handbook with Exercises
Our Recommendation The Cengage Essential Reference Card to the Mla Handbook for Writers of Research Papers
$3.54
Our Recommendation MLA Citation Handbook: An Ultimate Guide For Students
$0.99
![MLA: The Easy Way! [Updated for MLA 7th Edition] MLA: The Easy Way! [Updated for MLA 7th Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mR6Kv3evL._AC_SX348_SY500_QL65_.jpg)
Our Recommendation MLA: The Easy Way! [Updated for MLA 7th Edition] MLA: The Easy Way! [Updated for MLA 7th Edition]
$10.00
Our Recommendation MLA Made Easy: Your Concise Guide to the 9th Edition MLA Made Easy: Your Concise Guide to the 9th Edition
$10.95
Popular Articles
People also asked
Superior Formatting Articles
All Rights Reserved © 2024